3. Which pending free agents will they attempt to keep?

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The Big Three were McLouth (pictured), lefty Joe Saunders and designated hitter Jim Thome. All of the club's other free agents, such as Bill Hall (who signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels) and Nick Johnson (who retired) were never in the team's future plans. McLouth re-signed in December. Saunders just signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. Thome, who was considering retirement, sent signals that he would like to play again in the right situation, but the Orioles seemingly didn't pursue him. He is still without a 2013 job.

The Big Three were McLouth (pictured), lefty Joe Saunders and designated hitter Jim Thome. All of the club's other free agents, such as Bill Hall (who signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels) and Nick Johnson (who retired) were never in the team's future plans. McLouth re-signed in December. Saunders just signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. Thome, who was considering retirement, sent signals that he would like to play again in the right situation, but the Orioles seemingly didn't pursue him. He is still without a 2013 job. (Getty Images)

The Big Three were McLouth (pictured), lefty Joe Saunders and designated hitter Jim Thome. All of the club's other free agents, such as Bill Hall (who signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels) and Nick Johnson (who retired) were never in the team's future plans. McLouth re-signed in December. Saunders just signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. Thome, who was considering retirement, sent signals that he would like to play again in the right situation, but the Orioles seemingly didn't pursue him. He is still without a 2013 job.